One of the perks of being back in full-time ministry is that the homeless will frequently come to the church facility looking for help or assistance. Most of the time our facility is not equipped to provide them what they ask for (shower, clothes, a bed) but we do our best to direct them to resources in town that can provided them assistance. We always provide a meal and water to anyone who asks.
On Monday a gentleman came by and initially interacted with Ps. Ron and Patty while I was in a back office, and then after he left he began walking up and down the facility trying every door. For some reason one of the doors was unlocked and he stepped in. I followed him and politely asked him to leave since we were closing. He lamented the fact that there was no where he could go to just pray in our facility (I’m not sure what was going with IHOP), and we talked for roughly 30 minutes before I ended the conversation (I’ll explain that below).
He wasn’t nuts, he wasn’t talking about aliens, he had a decent grasp of scripture and legitimate gripes about the church in America. He expressed that he just wanted to talk with someone. I was torn. My wife and daughter were waiting for me at home and I was already 45 minutes late. It wasn’t until he started making accusations about Ps. Ron that I felt I could leave and not be disrespectful.
I’ll be honest- I used to be very dismissive of the homeless until one day I became terrified that I might be turning away an angel. I’ve tried to be vocal on and off-line about working out our love for God in word and deed, yet I still feel some superiority and annoyance rise up inside when encountering someone in this position.
What about you? How do you react? Are you concious of the word of God in those situations?
#1 by Rob Edwards on June 6, 2008 - 9:43 pm
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Hey Clayton,
This is such a tough call to make. We are in neighborhood of the working poor, and a large number of “bush dwellers”–homeless who live in tents back in a stand of trees near the church–often come by seeking assistance. It’s not as shocking now as it was at first, but it still requires a lot of discernment. Sometimes I ask folks, “how did you end up in this situation?” and listen to their response. Rarely we have the chronically homeless who come by our church. Usually it’s the transient homeless–folks who lost a job, etc. Sometimes you can help address an immediate need, and sometimes the need is beyond what we can meet. We’re networked in with a local ecumenical ministry that helps to coordinate a range of ministries to folks in need. Hopefully your community has something like that.
In terms of the deeper, theological questions, I’d point you toward Tim Keller’s book _Ministries_of_Mercy_. Like anything Keller writes, it’s thick reading, but it’s worth every hour it takes to read it.
Welcome to the mission field!
Rob
Rob Edwardss last blog post..The Ezekiel Experience, part 1
#2 by Brian Ayers on June 7, 2008 - 4:17 pm
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Clayton:
I’ve noticed the same thing working in a church building. A number of times I’ve had the opportunity pray for, give money to, help change a tire for, or just listen to someone who walks in the door looking for help.
Just the other day I was walking through the building and noticed a girl sitting and praying in our auditorium, I almost kept walking, but I had the same though about “what she’s an angel” so I went-over thinking I might be able to help… I’m not sure that she was an angel, but I’m glad I took the time to talk to her- I walked away feeling like I was the one who was helped.
I’m glad that people who are hurting and in need see the Church as a place to go for help. I hope & pray this is always the case.
Brian Ayerss last blog post..Redesign
#3 by Angel on June 9, 2008 - 12:21 am
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Because of our ministry Refugeoflove.org, I am the kind to give. If I dont have much I give what I have. Some people say it keeps them from wanting to get a job, others that they will use it for alcohol or drugs. However, regardless of what they use it for, I am doing my part and sowing my seed. Sometimes I buy them meals.
This week in Atlanta, I had a different experience however. While talking with a homeless guy in the street, he became violent and started cursing me out. I thought I was going to have to fight just to defend myself, then a cop came. So I can see why people have such negative views on this topic.
Angels last blog post..My travels…
#4 by portorikan on June 9, 2008 - 9:06 am
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I usually say no that I don’t have any cash to provide, which is more likely than not true. There are places in town where they can go to get assistance.
If I’m approached at a restaurant or near an establishment for food and they’re requesting money for food, I will offer to go and purchase it for them, since I’m going in anyway. More often then not, this offer is denied, which leads me to believe the money desired was not for food.
Maybe they weren’t hungry then, but why ask for the money at that time then?
portorikans last blog post..Vacation This Week